Financial Aid
SJCS A+ Program – students at SJCS can qualify for a state-paid financial incentive to attend any public community college or career/tech school in Missouri. Many Missouri colleges create scholarships to attract A+ graduates to their school.
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Financial Aid Toolkit – consolidates FSA resources into a searchable online database
Tuition Free Colleges: Service Academies (Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines) – College of the Ozarks – Berea College – Barclay College – Alice Lloyd College – Deep Springs College –Ecclesia College
MOST – Missouri’s 529 College Savings Plan
Military Aid – offers money for college to future military personnel or those related to veterans or active duty personnel.
Athletic Scholarships – discuss possibilities with your coach:
NCAA (Div. I, II, & III) – NAIA –NCCAA
Midwest Student Exchange Program – reduces non-resident tuition rates at participating colleges.
Grants
Accessed by completing the FAFSA
Pell Grant – FSEOG – Access Missouri – Bright Flight
Work Study – provides funds for part-time employment to help needy students.
Scholarships
Each student must determine those they qualify for (merit and/or need-based) and complete the requirements. Check out Scholarship Tips.
Local Scholarships
Graduates:
Rotary District Grant Scholar Program – assist with costs for study abroad programs for undergraduate and graduate college students. Questions should be directed to Sherri Hahn, shahnsi@aol.com
St Joseph Retired Teachers Association – scholarship for education majors entering their junior or senior year of college. Submit college transcript, biography, and two letters of recommendation. See guidance office for details.
Seniors:
Missouri Western State University General Scholarship Application
Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri – select ScholarLink to apply for scholarships.
Dates are based on best information available – students should always verify deadlines.
past due Newman Mic-O-Say Oct. 15 – for an active Camp Geiger Tribesman of Mic-O-Say.
past due Cotillion for Achievement Oct.2 to counselor – Cotillion Application 2017-2018 – based on achievements as well as extracurricular activities and community participation exhibiting high moral standards.
past due Grace (William & Ann) Foundation Scholarship Nov. 15 – provides individual scholarships directly to students based on merit and/or need.
past due Show-Me Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society Dec. 1 – students interested in conservation write an essay on an assigned topic.
past due Conservation Foundation of Missouri Natural Resource Scholarships Dec. 1 – assist students in five areas of natural resource management: fisheries, forestry, wildlife, parks and recreation and soil and water conservation.
past due Golden Griffon Scholarship Feb 1 – 27 ACT, 3.5 GPA, and a strong record of leadership and service.
past due St. Joseph Optimist Club – International Oratorical Contest Feb – students under the age of 19 on Dec. 31 will speak their minds about a topic. The deadline is for turning speeches in to the guidance office or language arts teacher. The speech contest will be held in Feb.
past due St. Joseph Optimist Club – International Essay Contest Feb 8 – students under the age of 19 on Dec. 31 submit an essay. The deadline is for turning speeches in to the guidance office or you may contact the local sponsoring club for details.
past due Tip Top Tux March 1 – scholarships, worth $500 and $5,000, are for students who have applied for admission – essay and references required.
past due South Side Business Women’s Scholarship March 1 – 3.0 GPA and financial need. Cover letter and transcript required. Turn in to the guidance office.
past due Rotary Scholarship Application March 1 to guidance office – $1,000 scholarship to student at SJCS based on financial need and academic performance (in that order). The applicant should demonstrate qualities of leadership, initiative, enthusiasm, adaptability, maturity, and seriousness of purpose.
past due Hirsch Scholarship March 1 – available to a city of St. Joseph student with extreme financial need. Must apply through St. Joseph School District. Turn in to the guidance office.
past due Varner Scholarship March 1 – available to a St. Joseph student with a 2.5 GPA or higher with a composite ACT score of 20 or higher and has some financial need. Turn in to the guidance office.
past due SJCS PTF Scholarship March 15 – $500 to seniors based on (1) leading a quality Christian life with regard to leadership, character, and community service; and (2) demonstrate academic responsibility and achievement. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. The student must have fulfilled three full years of attendance at SJCS (senior year may be included).
PTF Scholarship Pastor Reference
Teacher/Staff Reference
Non-Relative Reference
past due MFA Foundation Scholarship March 15 to guidance office – $2,000 to student furthering education by engaging in studies related to agriculture or rural life. Candidates must have good citizenship, moral character, willingness to work, and financial need.
past due Cecile Steven Scholarship March 15 – resident of Andrew or Buchanan County with 2.5 GPA (trade school) 3.0 GPA (college or university); ACT score of 18 or higher and extreme financial need.
past due Hubert Campbell Scholarship March – pursuing a career in engineering, medicine, mathematics or science education.
past due Natalie Thompson-Clizer Memorial Scholarship April 1 – assist a needy Andrew County resident to continue their professional development in college – preference to a humanitarian course of study and those enrolling at MWSU.
past due Northwest Missouri Financial Women Scholarship April 1 – female graduating high school seniors in Andrew, Buchanan, DeKalb, Holt and other surrounding counties. 3.0 GPA and be pursuing a degree in business or finance.
past due East Side Lions Club Scholarship April 1 – must attend Missouri Western State University and demonstrate leadership, good academics, love of country, and an attitude of service. Application available in the guidance office.
past due Pony Express Business Women’s Scholarship April 15 – candidate in good academic standing seeking a business or professional career.
Lillie Lois Ford Scholarship April 20 – must have attended a full session of Boys/Girls State of Missouri or a full session of the Cadet Patrol Academy. Other American Legion scholarships also available.
Buchanan County Farm Bureau Scholarship April – residence in Buchanan County and student’s parent must have been a member of the BC Farm Bureau for at least two years. Students should be pursuing a degree in agriculture-related field. See guidance office for application.
Ray Alburn Memorial Scholarship Fund May 26 – pursuing higher education in music or music education.
William Tobin King June 1 – reside in Andrew or Buchanan counties and demonstrate financial need, or student not receiving many scholarships. Turn in to guidance office. School activities/volunteer work, special recognition or honors, employment experience, and leisure activities are encouraged as a appendix to the application.
Heartland Foundation Health Care Scholarships begin April 1 – submission deadline July 1 (unless noted otherwise)
State Scholarships
Dates are based on best information available – students should always verify deadlines.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: NWMSU – UMKC – UCM – Truman State – Missouri State – University of Missouri
past due Miss Missouri Teen USA Pageant pageant in Nov. – winner receives a scholarship (grants and work-study) worth $57,600 to Lindenwood University in St. Louis. Four runners-up receive $48,000; semi-finalists receive $37,600; and every participant is offered a $33,600 scholarship.
past due MIZZOU Alumni Scholars Application Dec. 15 – merit based for incoming freshman attending the University of Missouri with an ACT score of 26 or higher.
past due Sansone & Lauber Scholarship Contest Jan. 4 – three scholarships ($500, $300, and $200) for college-bound Missouri students who write a compelling essay about persuading teens to resist the dangerous temptation to text and drive.
past due Kiwanis Scholarship Jan. 15 – demonstrate need, scholastic ability (23 ACT), achievement, teacher recommendations, evidence of extracurricular activities, and educational goals – deliver to sponsoring Kiwanis Club (on application)
past due Missouri Sheriff’s Assoc. Jan. 31 – in good standing with school, demonstrate financial need, and intend to pursue a criminal justice career.
past due Missouri Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarships – in good standing with school, demonstrate financial need, and intend to pursue a criminal justice career.
past due Westlake Scholarship Program Feb. 1 – Missouri resident with 2.5 GPA and family gross income of $50,000 or less
past due University of Missouri Alumni Graham Scholars Feb 1 – 26 ACT and top 20%; legacy scholarship if a parent attended UM-Columbia.
past due LEAP Accounting Feb. 28 – high-achieving students pursuing careers as CPAs or majoring in accounting.
past due Past President’s Parley March 1 – those seeking a career in health care field.
past due Missouri Community Service Commission – Monsanto High School Volunteer Scholarship March 5 – Missouri 9-12 graders who are committed to improving their communities while inspiring others to serve through their volunteerism.
past due Missouri Bankers Foundation March – manages four scholarships for students planning to pursue banking-related college degrees.
past due Missouri Chamber Show-Me Scholar Scholarship March 31 – must complete all requirements for the Show-Me Scholars program.
past due Missouri Broadcasters Association March 31 – pursuing study in area of broadcast operations. Get application from local radio or television station
past due Missouri Masonic Merit, Ruth Lutes Bachmann, Samuel Smith Stewart Scholarships March 31 – combined application for scholarships available for Missouri graduates.
past due Missouri Conservation Agents Assoc. April – 2.5 GPA; pursuing a degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Fisheries, Ecology or Agriculture, and submit an essay why you would like the scholarship.
past due Missouri United Methodist Foundation (Clint and Marge Hawkins and Memorial Christian Ed Fund for Youth) April 1
American Legion, Dept. of Missouri April 20 – resident of Missouri and a descendant of a veteran. Scholarships: Lillie Lois Ford (attended AL Boys or Girls State or Cadet Patrol Academy), Murphy Memorial Nurses Training, Joseph J. Frank (attended AL Boys or Girls State), Charles L. Bacon (members or descendants of AL members), Erman W. Taylor (obtaining degree in education), Shane Dean Voyles (athletic, scholastic, and leadership abilities – contact counselor for nomination).
National Scholarships
Dates are based on best information available – students should always verify deadlines.
Cameron Impact Scholarship Sept 15 – four-year merit-based scholarship intended to cover full educational expenses a recipient’s chosen college. Students interested in public service with a GPA of 3.7, excel in extracurricular activities, exhibit strong leadership qualities, and actively participate in community service.
Toptal STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) Scholarships for Women Applications open Oct., monthly winners – aspiring female computer scientists, developers, and software engineers.
past due Wendy’s Heisman Oct. 2 – leader in school who participates in a sport.
past due AES Engineering Oct 5 – motivated students based on character from essay submission.
past due College JumpStart Scholarship Program Oct. 16 – express your goals for getting a higher education.
past due Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway Oct 19 – Tell a one of a kind story and how you plan to make an impact on the world.
past due Horatio Alger Scholarship Oct. 25 – 2.0 GPA; critical financial need and display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
past due Varsity Tutors Scholarship Oct 1 – 31 – skill-based promotion where you provide your best possible answer to the question posted. 200-900 word essay.
past due Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Oct. 31 – 3.0 GPA; recognizes capacity to lead and serve, and their commitment to making a significant impact on their school’s and community’s business.
past due VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition Nov 1 – opportunity to express yourself in regards to democratic ideas and principles while earning money for college.
past due Elks National Foundation – Most Valuable Student Competition Nov 30 – 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Applications are submitted online.
past due Innovation Scholarship Essay Contest Dec 1 – answer a prompt about technological innovations and how they affect driving safety.
past due Burger King Scholars Program Dec. 9 – GPA of 2.0; Burger King employee (or child of employee) – based also on work experience, extracurricular activities and/or community service.
past due Young Entrepreneur Award Dec 18 – 100 scholarships awarded to Young Entrepreneurs; graduating seniors who operate their own small business.
past dueWorld Changers Scholarship (Colorado Christian University) Jan – students with at least a 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT who have applied and been accepted to the university and are eligible for the Trustee Scholarship may qualify for this invitation only event to interview for a full tuition scholarship.
past due Freedom in Academia Essay Contest Jan. 1 – submit an essay
past due GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Jan. 7 – college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship.
past due US JCI Senate Foundation Jan. 8 – $1,000 scholarships; applications submitted to the state chairperson and two are forwarded to the national competition.
past due Washington Crossing Awards Jan. 14 – essay about interest in a career in government service.
past due Elks National Foundation – Legacy Awards Competition Feb. 3 – any child or grandchild of a living Elk who joined before April 2014.
past due AlcoRehab Addiction Awareness Essay Scholarship Feb 1 – 18 years old and full-time student
past due AXA Achievement Community Scholarship Feb. 1 – only first 10,000 applications considered. $2,500 college scholarships to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in school, community, or workplace.
past due DAR Scholarships and Essay Contest Feb 15 – A range of scholarship opportunities.
past due Buick Achievers Program Feb. 27 – celebrate student achievers who are dedicated in the classroom and also committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
past due Military Children Program Feb. 28 – 3.0 GPA; dependent children of active duty personnel, reserve/guard, and retired military or survivors of individuals who died while receiving retired pay from the military.
past due Buick Achievers Scholarship Program Feb. 28 – those who plan to major in a field of study that focuses on engineering, technology, design, or business, with an interest in the automotive industry.
past due SAE Engineering March – 3.75 GPA; developing future engineers.
past due State Farm Good Neighbor Program March only the first 700 applications accepted – high school senior with 2.5 to 3.2 who demonstrates financial need. Selection considers school and community activities and work experience.
past due Work Ethic Scholarship (Mike Rowe) opens March 1 – money for people training for skilled trade jobs that are in demand.
past due Facing Acne Scholarship March 31 – US citizen with 3.0 GPA, create a short video about taking care of yourself and upload to YouTube.
past due Design a Better Future April 8 – Submit a proposal to better your community.
past due Church Mutual Cares Scholarship April 15 – enrolling in a post-secondary religious studies program at an accredited theological seminary, college, or university.
U.S. Bank May 29 – winners are selected at random
Averek Drive Safe Scholarship June 1 – essay scholarship contest to raise awareness for distracted driving.
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship June 15 – write an 500 – 1000 word essay on a topic given on their website and submit by email.
Big Sun Scholarship June 18 – Student athletes are eligible regardless of sport. Must submit a short essay.
Aspiring Nurse Scholarship June 1 – Open to all US high school seniors who plan to pursue college education in nursing.
Outdoor Hobbyist Dec15, 2017 – This is an annual scholarship, requires an essay submission, and the winning applicant will receive $1000 dollars towards their cost of education.
Search Services
(free, but usually require registration – DO NOT pay for scholarship help):
Missouri Connections – log in and go to Education > Missouri Scholarships and search clusters.
CollegeScholarships.org – helping students pay for college since 1999. Search by Subject, State, or Student Type.
Fastweb – matches members to relevant scholarship opportunities at no cost.
Scholarship America – manages private scholarships and other financial support.
StudentScholarships.org – largest scholarship database on the web.
FinAid – SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid
Scholarships.com – search by customized profile.
Big Future – scholarship search sponsored by the College Board.
Mach25 – scholarship search sponsored by CollegeNet.
Sallie Mae – search sponsored by student loan provider; entered in sweepstakes.
ESA Foundation – view and apply for scholarships (Missouri residents).